Published at: 29/01/2025 02:52 PM

The defense minister, G/J Vladimir Padrino López, on behalf of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), expressed his condolences to the families of the TCNEL. Henner Alejandro Perozo Espinel, who together with First Lieutenant José Alejandro Almazán Barragán (Co-pilot) and Second Sergeant Major Eduardo Rodríguez (Chief of Machine), tragically lost their lives in a plane crash this Wednesday.

In a statement, the senior military official explained that the accident occurred in the El Volcán sector, between the municipalities of Baruta and El Hatillo in Miranda state, where a Cessna Citation 550 aircraft, acronym YV3561, attached to the Ministry of People's Power for Internal Relations, Justice and Peace, crashed to the ground.

Below is the full statement:

BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF PEOPLE'S POWER FOR DEFENSE

The Bolivarian National Armed Forces expresses its deepest condolences and deep regret at the unfortunate plane crash that occurred this Wednesday, January 29, when a Cessna Citation 550 aircraft, acronym YV3561, attached to the Ministry of People's Power for Internal Relations, Justice and Peace, crashed ashore, specifically in the El Volcán sector, between the Baruta and El Hatillo municipalities of Miranda state.

The aforesaid aircraft was piloted by the Tonel. Henner Alejandro Perozo Espinel, who together with First Lieutenant José Alejandro Almazán Barragán (Co-pilot) and Second Sergeant Major Eduardo Rodríguez (Chief of Machine), tragically lost their lives.

We are mourned and saddened by the irreparable loss of these valuable military professionals, who in faithful line of duty, offered their lives in acts of service for the integral defense of the nation. At a fateful time like this that afflicts us today, we pray to Almighty God to alleviate the pain of their families, friends and comrades in arms, reiterating their total solidarity and unconditional support. Receive all our moral and spiritual strength.

Honor and glory to such courageous soldiers of the Fatherland!

Chávez lives!... The Fatherland continues!

Independence and Socialist Homeland!... We will live and we will overcome!

The Venezuelan Sun rises in the Essequibo!

Independence or nothing!... Always loyal to them... Never traitors!

Caracas, January 29, 2025

VLADIMIR PADRINO LOPEZ

General in Chief

Mazo News Team